1998 Panoz Esperante vs. 1996 Renault Laguna
To start off, 1998 Panoz Esperante is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Laguna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Laguna would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1996 Renault Laguna. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Laguna weights approximately 140 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1998 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Renault Laguna, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Laguna. (142 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Laguna.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Panoz Esperante | 1996 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Panoz | Renault |
| Model | Esperante | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
